It takes a village...

One morning last March, single mom Diane McLean and her three children walked together out the front door of their apartment building in New York City, carrying backpacks on their way school and work. Hours later, all they had was their backpacks, the clothes they were wearing, and their lives. Everything else vanished later that morning, when their building exploded killing two and injuring 22.

                                                                                                     AP Photo by Bebeto Matthews

At first glance, all seemed lost, but one thing was gained -- urban kindness. Neighbors provided places for them to stay. A friend took them to see the new Cinderella soon after the explosion, where the children heard Cinderella's mom tell her to have courage and kindness. Now the kids often discuss how they may not have material stuff, "but that's what we do have, courage and kindness." Their school organized a clothing donation drive. A local store donated sneakers to each child. The kindergarten organized a "celebration of love" party for all Diane's children where other students surrounded them and sang songs, before enjoying pizza. And a GoFundMe page started by Diane has received $78,000, so far. She admits, "As a single mother you often say it takes a village to raise a child, and I know it takes a community. I'm fortunate to be part of a wonderful one."